NZ First proposes doubling video game tax rebate and raising its budget

NZ First announced a plan to double the Game Development Sector Rebate, moving the rate from 20% to 40% of qualifying spend. The cap on individual studio claims would rise to $10 million, and the eligibility floor would be cut to $150,000 in annual revenue. Funding for the rebate would increase to $45 million per year, up from $40 million, while the Centre of Digital Excellence (Code) would see its budget grow to $8 million by 2028.

The party argues the reforms will keep skilled workers in New Zealand and expand the industry’s export share, which reached $947 million in FY2026. Industry groups note that a few large, offshore-owned studios dominate revenue, but most developers are locally owned. NZ First contends the new settings will foster competition and broader growth.